Rolling Rays: Shields is coming off two strong outings, logging his eighth complete game and owning a 131/3-inning scoreless streak. Niemann is 6-0, 2.17 in nine starts since coming off the DL. Shields is 6-10, 4.95 vs. Boston, Niemann 2-2, 4.56.

Leaning left: Lester has lost his past two and walked a season-high five Aug. 10 at Minnesota. Bedard, acquired from Seattle after facing the Rays, has two five-inning no-decisions with Boston. Lester is 9-4, 3.82 vs. the Rays, Bedard 11-4, 3.41.

Los Angeles Times baseball writer Kevin Baxter ranked the best and worst fan bases, and guess who came out at the bottom: Rays fans. Wrote Baxter (kevin.baxter@latimes.com): "Management gave away tickets to draw respectable crowds during a pennant race last fall. The Rays are good and exciting, but few in Tampa Bay care." He has the Indians 28th and Marlins 29th.